Margaritaville opens in Cleveland

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville might have opened at 11 a.m. on Monday, but it felt like 5 o’clock for everyone who was inside.

About 30 patrons waited outside before the doors opened to get in and grab cheeseburgers in paradise, volcano nachos and, of course, margaritas during Margaritaville’s soft public opening. The restaurant is at 1150 Front Ave.

“We’re just ready to rock and roll,” general manager Joe Jalsevac said. “We like to have fun, and our margaritas are the best.”

The restaurant will have a grand opening Tuesday, July 11, complete with live music and a ribbon cutting.

Margaritaville has a full menu filled with island-themed dishes, and the space includes three bars. The rooftop Landshark bar offers a great vantage for views of downtown and Lake Erie.

Even though Cleveland is not a tropical destination, the restaurant provides an escape for those who want to pretend they are on a private island.